B Grade Mugii Murum-ban: aka Mount Airlie

[Dru]

The famous Mt Airlie. Actually the track we are looking for is the Mount Genowlan Trail. There have been reports of mining exploration grading the trails in the the lower section - probably a good thing, but also probably means the challenge does not begin until the climb to Pappys Pass.

My sincere gratitude to Mani (TRBN8R) who introduced us to this wonderful part of the world - like a moth to a flame we just cant escape the place. Col Ribaux was the pioneer diamond miner who built the trails and allowed responsible 4wd. He's retired and sold his mining lease but still lives here.

The trail winds it's way through "the 300 Sisters" of the mesa rock formations endemic in the area. We pass through wet valleys that are very Jurrasic Park, and climb to a plateau that hosts a number of endangered ecological communities and one of Australia's most threatened plants - the Genowlan Point pea.

Views are spectacular. If this trip is not on your bucket list give yourself a slap.

Where: Muggi Murum-ban State Conservation Area

When: Saturday 10th December 2016

Meet: Capertee - the convenience store. Good for a breakfast and coffee

Time: 8:00 am for 8:30 departure. Please be fueled and fed. Yes this means an early leave from Sydney.

Grade: B

The trail is about 7.5 km in, then return the same way. There is a must do walk at the top - cant take vehicles through the "other worldly" nana heathland. We allow 6 hours for this. Low range start to finish. True rock crawling for about half and rutted dirt climbs elsewhere.

It is probably our most enjoyable 4wd track and feels like god simply built this mountain for Jeepers. The risk of damage is real, most trips see some kind of issue, thankfully mostly cosmetic. Occassionally more than simply cosmetic! Vehicles need to be properly prepared.

There is a sandstone step at Roof rack canyon which is B+. Sometimes people luck it out and drive straight through but frequently winch or assist is needed.

Tracks:
Genowlan Trail takes us past Col's shack where we are down.
Hopefully we have time to visit Point Hatteras and Genowlan trig - offshoots to the main track - this wont happen if there are other groups preparing for the mountain - it is really tedious getting stuck behind non-jeeps.
We run through "the Grotto", climb to the switchback at Pappys pass, climb to Roof Rack Canyon, jump (carefully! tread softly) the step. Continue rock climbing through to Genowlan Trail. Then walk the last 1 km to the view through some wonderful wilderness.

Requirements: It's a true B grade - so one for modified Jeeps. It is by definition technical driving.

Recovery points front and rear. Recovery kit (snatch strap, rated shackles, dampener). 2" lift. AT/MT tyres. Rock rails (sturdy ones).

First aid kit, sun cream. Food and water.

Please note: no alcohol. Feel free to stop at the Capertee pub on the way out - they are very welcoming!

Good behaviour: National Parks have cameras throughout the trail and seem sometimes to be looking to close it. Tread softly and be responsible. :smile-new:

This run is limited to: 8 including Trip Leader and Jose who has kindly agreed to assist.

This trip list often ends up giving me grief. Without ado, this is how I would like to manage it - thanks everyone in advance for your willingness to work with us on this.

This is NOT first to speak is first on the list. Sorry.

1. Club members only.
2. First timers to Mt Airlie take priority.
3. It would be greatly appreciated if an experienced club member put themselves forward to learn the trip and commit to lead future groups here. One only guaranteed spot for this though.
4. We are very willing to take repeat Jeepers - it's a trip that is hard not to want to do again - but let's check-in the new-comers first.

Contact: Dru Spork 0419 855 121 (tel:0419 855 121)

Attending:

1. Dru: Dru'n'Kerry; JK
2. Dieselcon: Jose; TJ
3. Agarwal_rahul; Rahul; JKU
4. Rocket55: Rod; TJ
5. KegsyJK: Greg; JK.
6. Will98: Will; JK
7. Mohawk: Nick and Pam; JK
8.

Reserve List:
1. Uncaged123: Rob; JKU
2.
3.
4.

[Dru]

Not the full trip, about half - but from our last time up.

https://vimeo.com/162253267

EDIT: Don't seem to be able to get Vimeo embedded - here is the link.


12:34Genowlan Point (https://vimeo.com/162253267)

Enjoy


Dru'n'Kerry

[Will98]

Hey Dru,

Please put me down, totally understand that newbies get preference though [emoji1303]

Cheers,
Will


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[Agarwal_rahul]

Hi Dru

Can you please put me down, I have never done this track and his been on my bucket list.

Cheers,
Rahul

[Dru]

Hi Dru

Can you please put me down, I have never done this track and his been on my bucket list.

Cheers,
Rahul

Rahul, cant tell from your avatar pic, but do you have rock rails?

[uncaged123]

Hi Dru, would love to try it again. Is that step still there, the one I had to be towed over last time.

Cheers RobS

[Dru]

Hi Dru, would love to try it again. Is that step still there, the one I had to be towed over last time.

Cheers RobS

Rob, this is not a track that we run solo beforehand, so your knowledge is a recent as mine. But yes, I'm expecting the step. If anything it gets bigger each trip!

I think we need to be more willing to tow/winch as this provides more control and less damage to the track (and Jeeps!).


Dru

[Dru]

Nana Heathland on top of the Genowlan Plateau

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll24/DruPics/Mt%20A%204_zpsstqcji82.jpg


Mesa Formations

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll24/DruPics/Capertee%20Valley%20from%20Genowlan%20trig_zpsl8vn beqd.jpg



View

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll24/DruPics/Mt%20A%205_zpswtfnygih.jpg

[stevet]

An expression of interest given..... Will lead runs there later if no-one else puts their hands up.....

[Agarwal_rahul]

Hi Dru,

I recently installed Poison Spyder Ricochet Rockers, I dont think I have that in my avatar pic, time to update the pic.
Do you think my JK will have any issues on this track, my tires are 285/70r17 and 2.5" lift.

Cheers,
Rahul

[Dru]

Hi Dru,

I recently installed Poison Spyder Ricochet Rockers, I dont think I have that in my avatar pic, time to update the pic.
Do you think my JK will have any issues on this track, my tires are 285/70r17 and 2.5" lift.

Cheers,
Rahul



Fabulous! All I can say is we have experiences at the step with what sounded like a can opening screeching down the Jeep. No damage other a scuff on the sliders. Whew!

Dru'n'Kerry

[uncaged123]

Beside a slight leak in the rear diff, probably going down the step or that "B" grade bit of trail in the dark, I can out ok. The clutch bearing failing a week later is just one of those occurence which happens anytime. Would love to do it again with my friend Luis and nephew again. I'll let them share the driving. My nephew has done a 4wd course with me a few years back and has the ability to do the harder sections.

Cheers Rob

[Rocket55]

Dru, please put me down. Never been to Mt Airlie before.

cheers Rod

[Dru]

Dru, please put me down. Never been to Mt Airlie before.

cheers Rod

cheers Rod.

[Rocket55]

Thanks Dru.

PS. I'm in a TJ :smile-new:

[Jku-365]

Dru

Please add me, see if we can make it this time!

Adrian

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[Dru]

Dru

Please add me, see if we can make it this time!

Adrian

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Think you'll like this one Adrian. :shame:

[KegsyJK]

I'd like to jump in on this trip as well if there is space...
thanks.

[Dru]

Done Greg. (Hope I got the name right).

We are also taking Will for track familiarisation. As Will basically lives walking distance to the track, once he's got it sussed we might see the trip up more regularly!

We'll keep the reserve list open.


Dru'n'Kerry

[KegsyJK]

Done Greg. (Hope I got the name right).

We are also taking Will for track familiarisation. As Will basically lives walking distance to the track, once he's got it sussed we might see the trip up more regularly!

We'll keep the reserve list open.


Dru'n'Kerry

correct!
thanks Dru.

[Jku-365]

Dru

I went up to the start of the track with AWDC and walked up (part of a much bigger trip that day, so no attempt made) but for your interest I snapped a couple of pics.

On the whole, I am told the track is largely unchanged, except the big boulder you have to manoeuvre around cross camber has been dragged aside somewhat.http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161106/ca70b221d3ebd38f170aad292fa8adb2.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161106/637dbc841e39f9aa01ec4ea678f15824.jpg

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[Dru]

Thanks Adrian. Those pics look like "roof rack canyon" and the rock climb to it. so thats all as before, fab!

what about lower down, how is the track in the climb to the switchback?

(Thanks for the feedback)

[KegsyJK]

Those rocks look like fun :) can't wait

[Jku-365]

Graded through to the 'Car Park' but all of the climb up to 'roof rack canyon' and beyond was untouched. The biggest change was the big rock being dragged clear

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[Mohawk]

Hi Dru,

Not our first trip, but we know how much fun Airlie can be.

Reserve list please [emoji4]

Cheers,
Nick & Pam


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[Jku-365]

Gah - I am going to have to pull out. Forgot that is the 'due date' for my daughter and the arrival of our first grandchild

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[Jku-365]

In case that came out wrong, I AM very excited for the arrival of a grandchild!

However, Mt Airlie and I seem to be fated never to meet.

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[Dru]

All the best with the Grandchild Adrian. Have a cigar on us.

@Rob, could you confirm pushing forward on this one?

:smile-new:

[Mohawk]

Hi Dru,

Please remove Pam and I from the reserve list. Airlie eludes us once again.

See you on the Monkey Gum trip the following weekend.

Thanks,
Nick


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[Agarwal_rahul]

Hi Dru

The alloffroad guys just did the mt Airlie track after grading, check out their video....

https://youtu.be/I9636e_UdWE

Cheers
Rahul




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[stevet]

Hi Dru and Kerry,
Sorry I have to pull out of this run.... Transfer case issue's... It's not going in until the 12/12 for repairs..... Jockey duties if anyone needs/wants one......

[Dru]

OK, time to throw the trip list open. Two slots available to anyone who wants them.

Rob - are you still interested? Adrian's pics shows the boulder still there but advises it is pulled out the way.

Anyone else?

Dru'n'Kerry

[Mohawk]

Pam & I are back in!

Premature cancellation [emoji6]


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[Dru]

Kerry and I are starting to get enthusiastic about this again. Its been such a turgd time trying to work out what was going on with access. But its all good for Saturday!

Remember the 8:00 for 8:30 start at Capertee. Means al early exit from Sydney.

see you there! :eagerness:

Dru'n'Kerry

[Dieselcon]

I'm so excited.. I'll be leaving at 4 so it's gonna be a late big day... just InCase I'll be taking my camping gear.. hope you guys don't mind but I'll be bringing all my camera gear to make an awesome vid... watching yours now dru.. so excited

[Dieselcon]

heres a vid from 2012 ... I've got better at editing and this vids takes on more of the new... https://youtu.be/B1OhGSxi3VU

[Dru]

Hey Jose, a Rampage vid. Oh yeah.

mate we're thinking of camping too if you're interested. Theres a good spot at the top of the Mt Airlie turret. Near the old diamond mine. We sort of bypass it on the way to Genowlan plateau.

Dru'n'Kerry

[Dieselcon]

Hey Jose, a Rampage vid. Oh yeah.

mate we're thinking of camping too if you're interested. Theres a good spot at the top of the Mt Airlie turret. Near the old diamond mine. We sort of bypass it on the way to Genowlan plateau.

Dru'n'Kerry
sounding good.. will check with the misses and get back to you..

[Rocket55]

I'm keen for this! Fixed my front drive shaft on Mon night, will put all my front suspension back in tonight I'm hoping. Might slip out Thursday night for a headlight adjusting session. Just trying to work out if I can get mobile on Friday evening or just head up Sat morning at this stage.

[Dieselcon]

Yeah my plans have changed.. heading out Saturday morning :( ,, but still taking camping gear if I'm too tired to drive home that night.

[Rocket55]

Locked and loaded ready for the trip :-)

see you you in the morning Jose, bright and early.

http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j396/Rocket5555/Jeep%20TJ/1B9AC772-4C4C-4E99-B4FF-79B3C3BE1FD9_zpsnzvxallu.jpg (http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/Rocket5555/media/Jeep%20TJ/1B9AC772-4C4C-4E99-B4FF-79B3C3BE1FD9_zpsnzvxallu.jpg.html)

[Rocket55]

Congrats Dru & Kerry on leading a fantastic trip!! What an awesome track :smile-new:

It was a shame i had to high tail it out slightly before everyone else, but I trust everybody got out Ok.

There should be some great footage from the trip and looking forward to Jose's video.

It was good to see you JK boys bring your A game today and give us TJ's a bit of a challenge :encouragement:

[KegsyJK]

Great trip, thanks to all those who came and Dru & Kerry for organising. It was an enjoyable day on the tracks.

a bigger thanks to all those who pulled some cable and lended a hand wheel packing for the big rock step. Much appreciated.

hopefully we get to go back some day and give it another shot!

[KegsyJK]

https://s23.postimg.org/6zhj6hqez/GOPR0854.jpg

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[KegsyJK]

https://s23.postimg.org/f6e4bt5vf/GOPR0886.jpg

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[Dru]

So Kerry thinks that was our best Muggi Murum-ban trip ever. High praise! So I thought I'd do a full written report while I remember.

Trip report - the ascent.

we caught up at the Capertee convenience store, pretty much everyone was early. Not bad when you needed to be on the road at 5:30 from Sydney and an amazing 4:00am for Rod and Jose from Woollongong! The Jeepers sat back in stone cold amazement when Will boldly stepped behind the counter then started serving others as well as himself.

Wish I'd seen the faces, of course Will's family own the store. I did say he practically lives on the track guys. :smile-new: Will's Dad Richard joined us for the day.

Air down and disconnect at Col's. That's the cabin and general collection of "stuff" and "big things" of Col Ribeaux of the famed Ribeax family who owned the Mt Airly diamond mine and have willingly offered the tracks to responsible 4wd-ers since the 1960's. Col was overseeing someone picking up a small bulldozer we said hi, he welcomed us to his mountain and on we went.

took a quick diversion on the way up to the Genowlan trig. The trig point itself is a cairn hidden in scrubby bush, but it's a turn around so we can stop at the view from Capertee valley, across Mt Airlie, the valley that is Jurassic Park and the Grotto, and to Genowlan Plateau where we are headed.

The miners have graded the trails through the valley only. And they are already deteriating. They set up a car parking area before the first true climb. Dirt track at this stage up to Pappy's Pass. Everyone went fine but had quickly understood that the B grade rating is deserved.

the next section changes from dirt to an interesting rock climb obstacle. The TJs needing to invent new lines here. Left is safe, right is dodgy but safe-ish, they go centre. Predictable!

Then roof rack canyon and the big step. To be honest though it looks easier than the past, it isnt. Those who dont know the track, this is the infamous A grade obstacle. Yes Rob, that boulder is (more) out of the way, its smaller too. But the step is harder to get at. I tried once on my own (when no-one was watching) resulting in some minor damage. Then with Ace spotter Kerry and got through.

We did take about an hour though it's tricky, even with winch or a tow which can simply pull you into the rock, not over it. Rod got through, but star of the show was Rahul who did it in one single attempt without acrobatics. Well done that Jeeper!

From here it's mostly rock crawling through the rock mesa climbing to the plateau. Bumpy run through the dwarf sheoak forest, more rock hopping to the summit for the walk through the nana-heath to woody forest at the point.

Dru'n'Kerry

[Dru]

Trip Report - the descent

All, yes all, experienced Jeepers I know prefer climbing to coming down. Personally I like when gravity is on my side, though it's true that risk increases.

Jose stepped into his natural role of "Cameraman and Chief Grip". Jumped to the front of the convoy, TJ seemingly smothered in go-pro's. Tripod and SLR in hand. I dont know that it is possible to do the scenery of this decent justice on video. Small glimpses of startling panarama, highlights between mesa rock faces surrounding the jeeps and spectacular forests in between.

One thing for sure, the weather was helping with bright blue skies and fabulous bright light.

Chief Grip positioned the cameras, that would make Kerry Director as she spotted us down the dreaded step. At the car park at the bottom, Jose shifted to the middle and focussed on forward cinemaphotography for the Grotto and Jurassic Park. We let Rod escape at this point trying to find a time tardis to make it to commitments back in the Illawarra.

And the convoy's time line evaporated, so we took the opportunity to check out the old diamond mine on Mt Airly proper. SJC often miss this as (a) the drive isnt very challenging; and (b) there is rarely time. But we deviated, checked out the camp spot at the base of the comms tower. Motored around to the diamond mine checking the view west and talked about the incredible pioneering work by the Ribeax.

then took the now over-growing trail out to Point Hatteras. Fabulous last spot for team photo with Mt Genowlan in the background. Did we really just climb that? Hatteras would be a wonderful spot to watch the sunset bounce of the cliff faces of Genowlan Plateau.

Back to Col's for air, connect and 2WD.

not another soul on the mountain on this trip, we had it all to ourselves. Strangely traffic on the highway was really light too, we were the only vehicle on Bells Line Of Road.

I think I like this time of year for wheelin'!

See you on the trails.

Credits:
Dieselcon, aka Rampage Productions - Jose: Driver, Cameraman and Chief Grip
Kerry: Director of Comms, Director of Action
Dru: Driver and background research :shame:
Rod: Driving Stunts
Kegsy: Greg - Driver
Jo: Talent (fabulous job acting astonished at the Step Jo!)
Rahul: Driver, perfect score at the Step!
Anshul - Comms and emotional support (thanks dude, see you next time!)
Mohawk, Nick - Driver and wheel arch percussion sound effects
Pam - Comms
Will - Driver, local input and bold coffee maker!
Richard - Sustenance and local knowledge.

Cheers guys

Dru'n'Kerry

[Agarwal_rahul]

Dru n Kerry - thanks a lot for this wonderful trip, this has to be the best one for us, we enjoyed it thoroughly, this was on our bucket list for a long long time.


Thanks a lot Kerry for guiding me and helping through out the track especially coming down the step, my heart was racing a million miles when I had my rear wheel in the air - that was a scary moment!!!


Thanks everyone on the track for helping with track building, guiding and spotting.


Thanks Jose for all the photos and videos can't wait for them to come out.


Special thanks from Anshul, he had great fun, especially providing moral support and simple advice to me, he is training to be my spotter!


Rahul




I had lots and lots of fun watching and learning how to spot, my favorite jeep was Rampage because it was very cool and looks like an off road buggy!


Thanks a lot everyone, cu on the track next time..


Anshul

[Dieselcon]

Awesome trip .. thanks to everyone who made this trip.. you all added to it - my favourite so far..and what an amazing show Airlie put on for us.. yes a long day. 3.45am on the road and back home by 2300... but worth it.. nearly 6 hrs of footage and I've got it down to 30 minutes .working on it all day .. . now the real editing starts .. looking forward to the Xmas party and then Yalwal on the Sunday. Thank you Dru and Kerry , you are amazing Hosts.

[Rocket55]

Here's my quick and dirty video I put together from yesterday. I'm no professional, but concider it a teaser until Jise puts his masterpiece together.

Anyway here it is.


https://youtu.be/fKYT6fL0uj0

[Dru]

What's amazing is you fab video is centred on about 150 feet of the track. sets up very nicely for what was going on.

thanks again for everyone who made a fantastic day.

Dru'n'Kerry

[Agarwal_rahul]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161211/d5592c036b154a6f350e1ad0e6589792.jpg

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[Agarwal_rahul]

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[Agarwal_rahul]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161211/a90eee3960e05437d2be9709f0bd287b.jpg

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[Dieselcon]

Our weekend adventure.. if you haven't already please subscribe to my channel . Enjoy . https://youtu.be/l6sP9ZQfkSw

[Agarwal_rahul]

Wow! Really nice video, can't wait for part II

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[Dru]

Jose

These things epitomise the SJC for me:
1. Friendly comradery. Family friendly.
2. If you want it, driving that is a true challenge, technical driving.
3. Doing it sensibly and responsibly
4. And above all a joyous appreciation and respect of the environments we visit.

How the hell you can put all of that into one 10 minute video I have no idea.

Love your work brother.


Dru'n'Kerry

[Rocket55]

Awesome video Jose, really looking forward to part 2 now :-)

[Mohawk]

Hey! I've been daydreaming of that trip for the last couple days... I log in and the video's already posted.

Many thanks to Dru and Kerry for leading another phenomenal trip, and the spotting and guidance. Everyone's help with the road-building, and the tug from Will was also very much appreciated at the step ;)

Thanks to everyone for sharing the great pics, and especially to Jose for the video... we won't need to rely on memory to recall the great day at Mt. Airlie.

Cheers,
Nick

[Dieselcon]

Part 2
https://youtu.be/M87wnFi7F8w

[Rocket55]

Tremendous video again Jose :encouragement:

Nick's JK will be a celebrity as a result of this :highly_amused:

[Agarwal_rahul]

Climbing the step...http://cloud.tapatalk.com/s/5aac69b9ef05f/WP_20161210_12_12_52_Pro.mp4

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